Mark Junker, head coach of Baltimore County's Chesapeake High School (Baltimore, Md.) varsity football team, has been named Ravens High School Coach of the Week for the sixth week of the 2009 season. Presented by Toyota, this is the 13th year of the Ravens' award program.
Junker, a first-time honoree, led the Bayhawks to a 28-7 win over Catonsville last Friday (10/16). With the win, Chesapeake (7-0) continues its undefeated season and propels itself into the top spot of the Class 2A North standings.
Catonsville came out fast and strong with a powerful running game and a 14-play, 65-yard touchdown drive on the opening series. Chesapeake then struggled to get downfield against the Comets (4-2) and went into halftime down 7-0.
"I knew Catonsville was a very good team," Junker said. "I respect them, and I knew they were going to run it right at us and challenge us to come and try to stop them. In the beginning, we didn't. But in the second half, our linebackers played better, got some stops, and we created turnovers and got good field position.
"We played at a higher level in the second half and held them at bay."
The Bayhawks capitalized on Catonsville's second half mistakes and came up big with an interception, three forced fumbles and a recovery of a botched snap on a Comets' punt attempt. The Bayhawks' offense secured the lead with a 37-yard touchdown run by Corey Polston in the third quarter, and they were able to extend it with two additional touchdowns in the final eight minutes of the game.
"It's a thrill and an honor to receive this recognition," Junker admitted. "It's very humbling, to be honest, because it's the players that play, so I try to give them all the accolades whenever we have success. They've really taken hold of the system, and they believe in it. I also have a great staff – they do an outstanding job. Everyone involved with this team, from our principal to our athletic director, has a hand in our success."
A third-year head coach at Chesapeake, Junker is in his 16th year of coaching overall. He also teaches physical education and weight training at the high school.
Each week during the season, the Ravens honor a high school coach who has made a significant impact on his athletes. Each of the season's weekly winners will be present at the Ravens–Lions home game on Dec. 13, for the naming of the Ravens' High School Coach of the Year.
A panel of area high school experts selects the coach of the week. The recipients receive:
- A $2,000 donation to the school's football program
- An award certificate signed by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
- A specially-designed hat
Ravens HS Coach of the Week Recipients
Week 1: Corey Johnson - Patterson
Week 2: James McCormick - North Caroline
Week 3: Kyle Schmitt - Atholton
Week 4: Lawrence Smith - Dunbar
Week 5: Donald Davis - Calvert Hall
Week 6: Mark Junker - Chesapeake
